27 years ago

Date: 13th September 1997

Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBC World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: TVKO

Oscar De La Hoya
( 25 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 147 lbs

Hector Camacho
( 63 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 147 lbs

On September 13th, 1997, the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada hosted a highly anticipated fight between two boxing legends, Oscar De La Hoya and Hector Camacho. Promoted by Top Rank and aired on TVKO, the fight was for the WBC World Welterweight Title, with De La Hoya defending his title for the second time.

De La Hoya, who weighed in at 147 lbs, was the clear favorite going into the fight, with a record of 26 wins and only one loss. Camacho, also weighing in at 147 lbs, had a record of 63 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. De La Hoya was guaranteed a purse of $9 million, while Camacho was guaranteed $3 million.

The fight lasted for the full twelve rounds, with De La Hoya ultimately winning by unanimous decision. The judges' scorecards were Chuck Giampa 120-105, Anek Hongtongkam 118-108, and John Keane 120-106. Although Camacho put up a good fight, De La Hoya's superior skill and strength proved too much for him.

The only knock down of the fight occurred in the ninth round, when Camacho went down from a flurry of punches that ended in a left hook from De La Hoya. Camacho was able to get back up and continue the fight.

In the twelfth and final round, referee Richard Steele took a point away from Camacho for excessive holding. Despite this setback, Camacho continued to fight until the final bell rang.

The fight was a huge success, generating 560,000 pay-per-view buys and grossing $22.4 million. It was a testament to the popularity of both De La Hoya and Camacho.

In the end, De La Hoya emerged as the clear victor, cementing his status as one of the greatest boxers of his time. Although Camacho gave it his all, he was unable to overcome De La Hoya's skill and determination.